New Lenox Resident Wins 'Woods Walk' Photo Contest

Submitted by the Forest Preserve District of Will County.

A solitary hawk, a preserve teeming with outdoor enthusiasts and a rock ripe with turtles were winning photo subjects during the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s 2014 “Woods Walk” Photo Contest.

First, second and third place photos were chosen from among 123 submitted pictures during the District’s fifth annual contest. Judges analyzed the photographs based on focus, lighting, composition, impact, creativity and storytelling. The winning photo, submitted by Nicci Allen of New Lenox, depicts a hawk perched against the backdrop of a daytime moon at Vermont Cemetery Preserve in Naperville. Allen won a digital photo frame.

Allen, who said she worked quickly in case the hawk flew away, took several shots from different angles with a telephoto lens.

“I loved the fluidity of the branches in the tree and that it all fit together so beautifully against the bold blue sky,” she said of her winning shot.

Second place went to Greg Dubois of Joliet, whose photo captured the lively summer recreation of Whalon Lake in Naperville. His prize was a “Woods Walk” backpack. Connie Secor of Orland Park won third place with her photo of a group of red-eared slider turtles sunning themselves at Rock Run Preserve – Black Road Access in Joliet. Her prize was a “Woods Walk” travel blanket.

Three additional photos were selected for honorable mention awards. The awards went to: Connie Holt of Braidwood, Brittany Matejko of Lockport and Kevin Kuchler of Joliet. These winners each received a gift card. All 123 photo entries can be viewed on the District’s website, www.ReconnectWithNature.org/about-us/photo-gallery.

The District’s 2014 “Woods Walk” challenge began on June 1 and ended on Oct. 31. Participants who completed seven of 10 preserve trail hikes earned medals. “Woods Walk” hikers also were encouraged to submit their best snapshots for the photo contest.